As cosmetic dentistry becomes more widely accepted, we have seen more and more patients coming in looking for help in straightening up their smile. One treatment we would recommend is the use of invisible braces to correct crooked teeth you might have.

Although it’s a popular procedure, it’s also quite a lengthy one with most patients taking around 12 months to finish. Throughout that time there are a lot of opportunities for something to go wrong, that’s why we’ve outlined a few things you can try at home to keep your brace looking its best.

Regular cleaning is a must

After being fitted with invisible braces in Clapham we really can’t stress enough how important it is that you regularly clean the appliance. A good scrubbing will help to cut down on any bacterial build up from general wear and tear, plus it can also aid in reducing staining.

Ideally you should be cleaning the appliance at least once every two days. To clean it we recommend mixing a small amount of bespoke cleaning solution, then take this mixture and lightly scrub it all over the brace with a toothbrush. Then just rinse it off afterwards and leave to dry.

Keep it safe

Although it may seem pretty obvious, keeping your brace in a safe place is one of the best things you can do. Normally we suggest with invisible braces in Clapham that you keep it in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day to ensure your alignment process goes off without a hitch, but if you have to remove it then keep it in a hard bodied container if you can.

Avoid placing it on surfaces around the home or in your pocket as this just allows dirt and bacteria to attach itself to the brace and that’s the last thing you want in your mouth. If you have to take it out, we recommend rinsing it, letting it dry and then placing it in a sealed hard bodied container to keep it sterile and to prevent it from getting damaged.

Is mouthwash safe to use?

Generally, mouthwash should be avoided if you can. This is because there are chemicals in different brands that could damage your brace if it’s exposed to them over time. Also, a colouring pigment is used in the majority of mouthwashes and this can sometimes stain your brace a lovely and very distracting colour if you’re not careful.

If you’re unsure where to start, try asking your dentist. Because at Clapham South Dental Care we will be able to provide you with great advice to make sure you’re making the best possible choice.

These are a couple of things you can try at home to keep your braces safe, clean and in good shape for as long as possible. If you’re interested in learning how else you can care for your brace or if you need a new one, then ask your dentist when you come in for your next appointment.